Heritage Bodies Not In Favour of Window Scrappage Scheme

Posted under Blog by Ruth

Over the last few months, a number if industry bodies have petitioned for the government to launch a window scrappage scheme, similar to the boiler scrappage scheme that gave homeowners money if they upgraded boilers to energy efficient models. However, Chancellor Alistair Darling has recently been urged to resist these calls by heritage bodies.

It has been reported that the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Institute of Historic Building Conversation (IHBC) have both issued a statement saying that such a scheme would not be suitable for certain homes. In particular, they are worried that traditional timber frames would be destroyed at the expense of energy efficiency.

Current laws mean that listed buildings may have trouble getting permission to change their windows to energy efficient uPVC double glazing. However, for most homes in the UK, upgrading to this kind of window can make homes naturally warmer, can reduce energy bills and can make properties look great.

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) originally launched the petition on the Downing Street website to give £1,000 grants to households who want to replace their old windows. The GGF claim that this would support installers and manufacturers, as well as helping to lower bills for householders across the country.

However, director of the IHBC, Sean O’Reilly, has said that this ignores the fact that the scheme could cause damage to more traditional buildings.